Recommended By:

“In New York, it’s hard to beat Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle. It is a classic uptown Manhattan spot to meet for drinks. In LA, The Tower Bar seems as if it is becoming a new classic. It feels timeless and warm, which is a hard mix to find out there.”

Recommended By:

“I love Grace Bay Club in Turks and Caicos. The beaches are so clear and blue, the sand is soft and white, the staff is warm and welcoming and the food is comforting and fulfilling. I felt at home when I was there for my stay.”

Recommended By:

“It offers world-class, crowd-free surfing, fishing and diving, and is completely sustainable, which I strongly support. The experience, in my opinion, is impossible to duplicate as it is set within one of the few remaining hunter and gatherer cultures”

Arosa

Hotels

Recommended By:

“St. Regis New York: beautiful, traditional, incredible service and most of all the beds.
Arosa Kulm, Switzerland: it’s a traditional Swiss family hotel which has taken care of generations of guests.
Wolwedans, Namibia – the most special awakening I’ve ever experienced.”

“My favourite restaurant on earth is in Barcelona, a place called Cal Pep. The baby squid with garbonzos and squid ink is amazing. But if we are talking New York, I would have to say Frank on 2nd Avenue. Eat the "Rigatoni al Ragu" an epic dish!”

Recommended By:

“I'm not a big drinker, but do enjoy a bar with a view. On these merits, the rooftop terrace at St. Regis Firenze; and a glass of claret and cola (yes, really) at the 65th floor China Bar of Park Hyatt Beijing both offer wonderfully panoramic views of two completely different cities.”

“I'm not a big drinker, but do enjoy a bar with a view. On these merits, the rooftop terrace at St. Regis Firenze; and a glass of claret and cola (yes, really) at the 65th floor China Bar of Park Hyatt Beijing both offer wonderfully panoramic views of two completely different cities.”

Berlin

Restaurants

Recommended By:

“In Berlin, Borchardt – get the wiener schnitzel and in winter the blutwurst – and Bandol Sur Mer, where the steak tartar is the best. Hot Spot, also in Berlin, does the best Chinese food. In Paris, Le Relais de l'Entrecôte and Chez André. At The Chinoise Story in Shanghai, get the sweet and sour fish (you'll meet the fish before you eat it).”

Recommended By:

“In Berlin, Borchardt – get the wiener schnitzel and in winter the blutwurst – and Bandol Sur Mer, where the steak tartar is the best. Hot Spot, also in Berlin, does the best Chinese food. In Paris, Le Relais de l'Entrecôte and Chez André. At The Chinoise Story in Shanghai, get the sweet and sour fish (you'll meet the fish before you eat it).”

“In New York, La Grenouille. The sole is divine and it’s the only place where you can order Grand Marnier soufflé. Mr Chow in Los Angeles, where I love the drunken fish! Borchardt in Berlin has schnitzel for days. And this little sushi joint that Gisele took me to in Costa Rica.”

Recommended By:

“In Berlin, Borchardt – get the wiener schnitzel and in winter the blutwurst – and Bandol Sur Mer, where the steak tartar is the best. Hot Spot, also in Berlin, does the best Chinese food. In Paris, Le Relais de l'Entrecôte and Chez André. At The Chinoise Story in Shanghai, get the sweet and sour fish (you'll meet the fish before you eat it).”

Recommended By:

“My favourite restaurant at the moment is called Sasaya on Lychener Strasse in Prenzlauer Berg in Berlin. I would recommend the Bio Yasay, a deconstructed salad of fresh bio vegetables. In Paris, it's Chez Georgette, an owner-run 1960s-decor bistro that has a fantastic fettuccine with a mountain of Burgundy snails as topping.”

Recommended By:

“Trust, Berlin. There is no sign on the door, the room looks as if it's condemned for demolition and all the beverages – whether gin or wine – are only sold by the bottle. I don't think I need to elaborate on how the nights turn out there.”

“The bar at Electric House, London is cozy, cool, and serves great drinks. I always run into nice people there, and in the summer, they open the roof. In Berlin, my favourite nightspot is Trust. It combines everything you want when going out; it's sexy and raunchy, and it captures the cool, nonchalant vibe of Berlin with its fantastic music.”

Biella

Tailors

Recommended By:

“I have the pleasure of making my clothes at many different places, though most often with the amazing Parisian tailors Lorenzo and Massimo Cifonelli. I also make clothes with Camps de Luca and Rubinacci, and recently had great experiences with A. Caraceni as well as Chittleborough & Morgan. I try to use the wonderful fabrics of Vitale Barberis Canonico. I go back to the firm that made them to alter clothes. I don't ever dry clean my suits.”

California

Restaurants

Recommended By:

“In New York, La Grenouille. The sole is divine and it’s the only place where you can order Grand Marnier soufflé. Mr Chow in Los Angeles, where I love the drunken fish! Borchardt in Berlin has schnitzel for days. And this little sushi joint that Gisele took me to in Costa Rica.”

Recommended By:

“Big Sur is idyllic, and the Post Ranch Inn is unreal. Set on a cliff overlooking the ocean and the mountains, the inn is a collection of dramatic buildings designed by visionary architect Mickey Muennig.”

Chicago

Hotels

Recommended By:

“I tend to go for smaller, old-fashioned hotels, like Hessischer Hof. They have better service and less attitude than most of the design hotels. I was recently surprised by the Sofitel in Chicago, which combined old-fashioned European service with a great location and contemporary furniture.”

Recommended By:

“Sushi Sawada in Ginza, Tokyo. The fist-sized uni [urchin] "warship" [roll] is mind-blowing. And Trattoria Mario in Florence, where I had the best meal of my life, and where I would recommend the trippa alla fiorentina [Florentine tripe].”

Hotels

Recommended By:

“Hotelli Yopuu in Jyvaskyla, Finland was warm, friendly and has one of the best restaurants I have been to for quite some time. In Rome, Hotel Aleph for its attention to detail and in Florence, Hotel Continentale, as the rooms were some of the best designed rooms I have been in.”

Recommended By:

“I'm not a big drinker, but do enjoy a bar with a view. On these merits, the rooftop terrace at St. Regis Firenze; and a glass of claret and cola (yes, really) at the 65th floor China Bar of Park Hyatt Beijing both offer wonderfully panoramic views of two completely different cities.”

Recommended By:

“I tend to go for smaller, old-fashioned hotels, like Hessischer Hof. They have better service and less attitude than most of the design hotels. I was recently surprised by the Sofitel in Chicago, which combined old-fashioned European service with a great location and contemporary furniture.”

Hamburg

Restaurants

Recommended By:

“My favorite sushi place is called Ono, in Hamburg, Germany. Their special rolls are fantastic, as is the tuna avocado salad. In New York, my all-time favourite restaurant is Le Bilboquet, a classic French spot on the Upper East Side. Its menu features all the best bistro favourites – mine is their version of cajun chicken.”

Recommended By:

“My tailor is Marc Anthony in Hamburg. My friend Ferdinand von Hammerstein introduced me, and ever since, I have bought my suits from him. He can translate my design ideas into cool modern suits with a personal touch. The lovely Angela from G&G Cleaners on Grand Street in Soho, NY does my dry-cleaning and alterations.”

Recommended By:

“I like b.a.r. Executive Bar (Causeway Bay, Hong Kong) for its eccentric proprietor and top cocktails and Salon No.10 (Central, Hong Kong) for its winning mix of good people, great music and strong drinks.”

“In Venice, it's the Gritti Palace because of its amazing general manager, Paolo Lorenzoni. In London, it's Claridge's because of its general manager, Thomas Kochs. In Paris, it's the Mandarin Oriental because of my friend Philippe Leboeuf. In Hong Kong, it's the The Upper House – Marcel Thoma, the general manager, is the best.”

“In Venice, it's the Gritti Palace because of its amazing general manager, Paolo Lorenzoni. In London, it's Claridge's because of its general manager, Thomas Kochs. In Paris, it's the Mandarin Oriental because of my friend Philippe Leboeuf. In Hong Kong, it's the The Upper House – Marcel Thoma, the general manager, is the best.”

Tailors

Recommended By:

“Alterations are done at Pujadas in Girona. It's an old family business, walking in to the shop is like stepping back in time. Timothy Everest is my tailor. Although I'm waiting to see how my old schoolmate from Hong Kong, Roshan, does as heir apparent to Sam's Tailor.”

Jyväskylä

Hotels

Recommended By:

“Hotelli Yopuu in Jyvaskyla, Finland was warm, friendly and has one of the best restaurants I have been to for quite some time. In Rome, Hotel Aleph for its attention to detail and in Florence, Hotel Continentale, as the rooms were some of the best designed rooms I have been in.”

Lanai City

Hotels

Recommended By:

“The chic side of Hawaii is often missed with all the incessant mai tais. I like exploring Doris Duke’s estate, diving, surfing, checking out architecture by Vladimir Ossipoff. Climb the highest summit at Mauna Kea on the Big Island and check out the stars, then go night-diving with manta rays the next night. All the fresh fish dining and relaxing at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai makes Hawaii my favourite place to go on vacation.”

Recommended By:

“Tough… I'm obsessed with Italian and seafood, so all the classics such as Scott's and J. Sheekey. Right now I'd have to go with the vongole at Bentley's. Richard Corrigan is a great man.
I also love what Meat Liquor, Bocca Di Lupo and Pitt Cue are doing, and there's a spit and sawdust Turkish in Highbury that I can't pass by called Yildiz. It looks like nothing, but trust me it's phenomenal. I'm also loving Odette's, and I've never had a bad meal in Roka. In short, how long have you got?”

Recommended By:

“I have two favourite restaurants. St. John Bar and Restaurant on St John’s Street, where I love the lamb tongues with turnip and anchovy. Bistrotheque is always a favourite. I love the roast chicken there – it’s my comfort food.”

Recommended By:

“Tough… I'm obsessed with Italian and seafood, so all the classics such as Scott's and J. Sheekey. Right now I'd have to go with the vongole at Bentley's. Richard Corrigan is a great man.
I also love what Meat Liquor, Bocca Di Lupo and Pitt Cue are doing, and there's a spit and sawdust Turkish in Highbury that I can't pass by called Yildiz. It looks like nothing, but trust me it's phenomenal. I'm also loving Odette's, and I've never had a bad meal in Roka. In short, how long have you got?”

“I'm quite old school when it comes to bars and pubs. I love the The Toucan, The Dog & Duck and The French House in London. Closer to home I adored The Engineer and was heartbroken when it changed hands. Even though the staff are really nice in there it's not the same, and I'm not a huge chain fan, so when I can, I drink in The Lansdowne. They have Truman's in there which is a really nice pint. Bar wise, it's Hix.”

Recommended By:

“Le Gavroche in London might be traditional, but the service is among the best in the world. It's perfect for a more formal meal, and any dish is a good choice. I do like Hix Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis too – it has an amazing view and the best fish and chips anywhere.”

“Tough… I'm obsessed with Italian and seafood, so all the classics such as Scott's and J. Sheekey. Right now I'd have to go with the vongole at Bentley's. Richard Corrigan is a great man.
I also love what Meat Liquor, Bocca Di Lupo and Pitt Cue are doing, and there's a spit and sawdust Turkish in Highbury that I can't pass by called Yildiz. It looks like nothing, but trust me it's phenomenal. I'm also loving Odette's, and I've never had a bad meal in Roka. In short, how long have you got?”

Recommended By:

“Le Gavroche in London might be traditional, but the service is among the best in the world. It's perfect for a more formal meal, and any dish is a good choice. I do like Hix Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis too – it has an amazing view and the best fish and chips anywhere.”

Recommended By:

“Tough… I'm obsessed with Italian and seafood, so all the classics such as Scott's and J. Sheekey. Right now I'd have to go with the vongole at Bentley's. Richard Corrigan is a great man.
I also love what Meat Liquor, Bocca Di Lupo and Pitt Cue are doing, and there's a spit and sawdust Turkish in Highbury that I can't pass by called Yildiz. It looks like nothing, but trust me it's phenomenal. I'm also loving Odette's, and I've never had a bad meal in Roka. In short, how long have you got?”

Recommended By:

“Momo [in London] has a great selection of food inspired by North African and Mediterranean fresh dishes, and being a vegetarian I usually go for the nibbles. You can get a mix of five choices from halloumi cheese, and hummus to falafel and more for a deal. Throw in the Moroccan tea and shisha if you smoke and it’s a knockout.”

Recommended By:

“Tough… I'm obsessed with Italian and seafood, so all the classics such as Scott's and J. Sheekey. Right now I'd have to go with the vongole at Bentley's. Richard Corrigan is a great man.
I also love what Meat Liquor, Bocca Di Lupo and Pitt Cue are doing, and there's a spit and sawdust Turkish in Highbury that I can't pass by called Yildiz. It looks like nothing, but trust me it's phenomenal. I'm also loving Odette's, and I've never had a bad meal in Roka. In short, how long have you got?”

Recommended By:

“Tough… I'm obsessed with Italian and seafood, so all the classics such as Scott's and J. Sheekey. Right now I'd have to go with the vongole at Bentley's. Richard Corrigan is a great man.
I also love what Meat Liquor, Bocca Di Lupo and Pitt Cue are doing, and there's a spit and sawdust Turkish in Highbury that I can't pass by called Yildiz. It looks like nothing, but trust me it's phenomenal. I'm also loving Odette's, and I've never had a bad meal in Roka. In short, how long have you got?”

Recommended By:

“Tough… I'm obsessed with Italian and seafood, so all the classics such as Scott's and J. Sheekey. Right now I'd have to go with the vongole at Bentley's. Richard Corrigan is a great man.
I also love what Meat Liquor, Bocca Di Lupo and Pitt Cue are doing, and there's a spit and sawdust Turkish in Highbury that I can't pass by called Yildiz. It looks like nothing, but trust me it's phenomenal. I'm also loving Odette's, and I've never had a bad meal in Roka. In short, how long have you got?”

“Tough… I'm obsessed with Italian and seafood, so all the classics such as Scott's and J. Sheekey. Right now I'd have to go with the vongole at Bentley's. Richard Corrigan is a great man.
I also love what Meat Liquor, Bocca Di Lupo and Pitt Cue are doing, and there's a spit and sawdust Turkish in Highbury that I can't pass by called Yildiz. It looks like nothing, but trust me it's phenomenal. I'm also loving Odette's, and I've never had a bad meal in Roka. In short, how long have you got?”

Recommended By:

“I have two favourite restaurants. St. John Bar and Restaurant on St John’s Street, where I love the lamb tongues with turnip and anchovy. Bistrotheque is always a favourite. I love the roast chicken there – it’s my comfort food.”

“St. John Bread & Wine, it's great for entertaining visitors to London, and Da Giordano Ristorante il Bolognese in Milan. We always get a selection of the smaller dishes to share at St John and in Milan it's a pasta of the day and then lamb chops, spinach and puree potato. No menu required.”

Recommended By:

“Tough… I'm obsessed with Italian and seafood, so all the classics such as Scott's and J. Sheekey. Right now I'd have to go with the vongole at Bentley's. Richard Corrigan is a great man.
I also love what Meat Liquor, Bocca Di Lupo and Pitt Cue are doing, and there's a spit and sawdust Turkish in Highbury that I can't pass by called Yildiz. It looks like nothing, but trust me it's phenomenal. I'm also loving Odette's, and I've never had a bad meal in Roka. In short, how long have you got?”

Recommended By:

“Dukes Bar in London. Ian Fleming supposedly discovered the Martini here. Head barman Alessandro creates the Martinis tableside and freezes the gin (Berry Brothers No. 3 if you ask for it, which just happens to be the world’s greatest gin) so that the cocktail never has to touch ice. He then adds two dashes of vermouth to the chilled glass and finishes it with a large twist of rind from an imported, thick skinned Sicilian lemon. Perfection.”

Recommended By:

“The bar at Electric House, London is cozy, cool, and serves great drinks. I always run into nice people there, and in the summer, they open the roof. In Berlin, my favourite nightspot is Trust. It combines everything you want when going out; it's sexy and raunchy, and it captures the cool, nonchalant vibe of Berlin with its fantastic music.”

Recommended By:

“I prefer decent pubs to bars, although The Connaught Bar is perfect for a late-night drink, while Soho House still delivers a great, relaxed (for LA) ambience and amazing views. Mews in Mayfair is also ideal for a very late night... As for pubs, The Punch Bowl in Mayfair and The Flask in Highgate are relaxed yet still manage to feel like real pubs.”

Recommended By:

“I am an avid lover of a whisky sour and I often use it as a benchmark to judge how good the bar is, as it’s a classic cocktail. One of the best ones that I have had has been at The Connaught Bar, designed by David Collins.”

“I prefer decent pubs to bars, although The Connaught Bar is perfect for a late-night drink, while Soho House still delivers a great, relaxed (for LA) ambience and amazing views. Mews in Mayfair is also ideal for a very late night... As for pubs, The Punch Bowl in Mayfair and The Flask in Highgate are relaxed yet still manage to feel like real pubs.”

Recommended By:

“I'm quite old school when it comes to bars and pubs. I love the The Toucan, The Dog & Duck and The French House in London. Closer to home I adored The Engineer and was heartbroken when it changed hands. Even though the staff are really nice in there it's not the same, and I'm not a huge chain fan, so when I can, I drink in The Lansdowne. They have Truman's in there which is a really nice pint. Bar wise, it's Hix.”

Recommended By:

“I'm quite old school when it comes to bars and pubs. I love the The Toucan, The Dog & Duck and The French House in London. Closer to home I adored The Engineer and was heartbroken when it changed hands. Even though the staff are really nice in there it's not the same, and I'm not a huge chain fan, so when I can, I drink in The Lansdowne. They have Truman's in there which is a really nice pint. Bar wise, it's Hix.”

Recommended By:

“I prefer decent pubs to bars, although The Connaught Bar is perfect for a late-night drink, while Soho House still delivers a great, relaxed (for LA) ambience and amazing views. Mews in Mayfair is also ideal for a very late night... As for pubs, The Punch Bowl in Mayfair and The Flask in Highgate are relaxed yet still manage to feel like real pubs.”

Recommended By:

“I'm quite old school when it comes to bars and pubs. I love the The Toucan, The Dog & Duck and The French House in London. Closer to home I adored The Engineer and was heartbroken when it changed hands. Even though the staff are really nice in there it's not the same, and I'm not a huge chain fan, so when I can, I drink in The Lansdowne. They have Truman's in there which is a really nice pint. Bar wise, it's Hix.”

Recommended By:

“I prefer decent pubs to bars, although The Connaught Bar is perfect for a late-night drink, while Soho House still delivers a great, relaxed (for LA) ambience and amazing views. Mews in Mayfair is also ideal for a very late night... As for pubs, The Punch Bowl in Mayfair and The Flask in Highgate are relaxed yet still manage to feel like real pubs.”

Recommended By:

“I'm quite old school when it comes to bars and pubs. I love the The Toucan, The Dog & Duck and The French House in London. Closer to home I adored The Engineer and was heartbroken when it changed hands. Even though the staff are really nice in there it's not the same, and I'm not a huge chain fan, so when I can, I drink in The Lansdowne. They have Truman's in there which is a really nice pint. Bar wise, it's Hix.”

“I love Claridge's. I’ve been lucky enough to stay in some of the nicest hotels in the world and loved so many of them but there’s just something about Claridge's that is special. There’s such a history and pageantry to the place that I’m always thrilled whenever I walk inside it. The rooms are Old World and fabulous in their timelessness. The staff is professional and attentive. And the location couldn’t be better. I’m always happy when I get to stay there.”

“This is too hard. I love The Bowery Hotel in New York because it's real and effortless. Elsewhere, I love a hotel with history, and class. Claridge's and The Savoy sum up all that's great about London hotels.
Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles for me epitomizes the history and old-school glamour of the city.”

“In Venice, it's the Gritti Palace because of its amazing general manager, Paolo Lorenzoni. In London, it's Claridge's because of its general manager, Thomas Kochs. In Paris, it's the Mandarin Oriental because of my friend Philippe Leboeuf. In Hong Kong, it's the The Upper House – Marcel Thoma, the general manager, is the best.”

“My wife and I have completely different taste in vacations, she loves South American rough stuff and I love Claridge's, but we both love to go to New Orleans. Which is kind of both mixed together, come to think of it.”

Recommended By:

“I've spent about 200 nights on the road this year so it’s all a blur. In London, The Boundary is really nice. In Paris, Hotel Amour, if you get a duplex. In Montreal, casa Macklovitch offers expedited laundry service. Yes that was a dad joke.”

“The Connaught effortlessly combines traditional values with a modern approach and is the most comfortable hotel to stay in. It doesn't feel like "just a hotel". Plus it has the best pillows in the world.”

Recommended By:

“This is too hard. I love The Bowery Hotel in New York because it's real and effortless. Elsewhere, I love a hotel with history, and class. Claridge's and The Savoy sum up all that's great about London hotels.
Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles for me epitomizes the history and old-school glamour of the city.”

Recommended By:

“Brian Russell & Co Ltd on Sackville Street in London. The tailor there is Fadia. She’s a marvellous woman. She’s one of the best cutters I’ve ever come across. She worked for Stella McCartney and now she does men’s tailoring. My other tailor is Anderson & Sheppard on Old Burlington Street in London”

Recommended By:

“I can't pronounce his name - a chain smoking Greek fella who works in north London makes trousers if I've needed them. You don't need to spend money if you know where to go. If I was a big suit wearer I'd get something done by my friend Mark at Boland & Banks, he's a young guy with passion and ideas. Sometimes you need someone to work with you, not a yes man.”

Recommended By:

“Brian Russell & Co Ltd on Sackville Street in London. The tailor there is Fadia. She’s a marvellous woman. She’s one of the best cutters I’ve ever come across. She worked for Stella McCartney and now she does men’s tailoring. My other tailor is Anderson & Sheppard on Old Burlington Street in London”

Recommended By:

“I have the pleasure of making my clothes at many different places, though most often with the amazing Parisian tailors Lorenzo and Massimo Cifonelli. I also make clothes with Camps de Luca and Rubinacci, and recently had great experiences with A. Caraceni as well as Chittleborough & Morgan. I try to use the wonderful fabrics of Vitale Barberis Canonico. I go back to the firm that made them to alter clothes. I don't ever dry clean my suits.”

Recommended By:

“I've got a "thing" about knitted ties. They need to be from either Douglas Hayward on Mount Street or Richard James. They are so useful and can be worn formally or informally. They don't crease and so travel well, and are just a bit different from the rest of the "suits".”

Recommended By:

“At the moment, it would be a Sims & MacDonald coat I had made. Dark brown Harris Tweed, a short coat with a waisted shape and wide lapels, with a bottle-green silk lining to bring out the flecks in the cloth.”

Recommended By:

“My current tailors of choice are Thom Sweeney. They are not only personable and cool, but offer a great service in a beautiful store combined with impeccable tailoring skills. They are the kind of guys you'd want to hang out with on the weekend.”

“As a Style Director I ought not to say. But I will anyway. For suiting I love Thom Sweeney, Rake and E. Tautz. For more casual wear, I love Oliver Spencer, Paul Smith and YMC. Plus I still unashamedly buy a lot of Topman, Uniqlo and Cos because they are brilliant value.”

“Alterations are done at Pujadas in Girona. It's an old family business, walking in to the shop is like stepping back in time. Timothy Everest is my tailor. Although I'm waiting to see how my old schoolmate from Hong Kong, Roshan, does as heir apparent to Sam's Tailor.”

Los Angeles

Restaurants

Recommended By:

“I have two in Los Angeles. Iroha on Ventura Boulevard has been a favourite for 20 years and its miso black cod is superb. Also, along the Japanese theme, Asanebo on Ventura holds a Michelin star and provides a wonderful menu/service and fascinating clientele. The daily specials are always surprising and delicious.”

Recommended By:

“I have two in Los Angeles. Iroha on Ventura Boulevard has been a favourite for 20 years and its miso black cod is superb. Also, along the Japanese theme, Asanebo on Ventura holds a Michelin star and provides a wonderful menu/service and fascinating clientele. The daily specials are always surprising and delicious.”

Bars

Recommended By:

“Even before opening Bäco Mercat, Josef had envisioned a bar with a full Tex Mex menu. If Bäco Mercat is an engrossing novel, Bar Amá is an endearing memoir. The menu is filled with tweaked recipes from three generations of Josef’s family, and it’s Los Angeles through and through. Until Bar Amá opened, I mostly drank mezcal from my own collection at home.”

Recommended By:

“Soho House in West Hollywood seems to have just the right buzz no matter your mood. The Laurel Tavern in Studio City has great beer/food/atmosphere. Bar Marmont at the Chateau Marmont is a good scene if you're in the mood for fun and people watching.”

Recommended By:

“Soho House in West Hollywood seems to have just the right buzz no matter your mood. The Laurel Tavern in Studio City has great beer/food/atmosphere. Bar Marmont at the Chateau Marmont is a good scene if you're in the mood for fun and people watching.”

Hotels

Recommended By:

“Soho House in West Hollywood seems to have just the right buzz no matter your mood. The Laurel Tavern in Studio City has great beer/food/atmosphere. Bar Marmont at the Chateau Marmont is a good scene if you're in the mood for fun and people watching.”

“This is too hard. I love The Bowery Hotel in New York because it's real and effortless. Elsewhere, I love a hotel with history, and class. Claridge's and The Savoy sum up all that's great about London hotels.
Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles for me epitomizes the history and old-school glamour of the city.”

Recommended By:

“If I need a quick getaway, I love the Montage in Laguna Beach. It’s right on the water and only an hour from my house, so sometimes when I have a weekend off in the summer I go there to get away from the craziness.”

Recommended By:

“I love the Sunset Tower Hotel in LA. Jeff Klein is the most gracious and attentive host and he runs a tight ship. It's utterly discrete and quiet, while remaining right in the centre of the Hollywood hubbub.”

“Sunset Tower Hotel, Los Angeles. I love the location (Sunset Blvd) and its history. But the key here is old-school service from a conscientious staff, classically styled rooms, good food and drink...”

Hotels

Recommended By:

“My girlfriend is from Tangier in Morocco so I've been lucky enough to travel around the country. We’ve spent time in the Rif mountains in the north, with the Berbers; partied in Marrakesh in beautiful riads (check out Beldi Country Club).”

Recommended By:

“St. John Bread & Wine, it's great for entertaining visitors to London, and Da Giordano Ristorante il Bolognese in Milan. We always get a selection of the smaller dishes to share at St John and in Milan it's a pasta of the day and then lamb chops, spinach and puree potato. No menu required.”

Hotels

Recommended By:

“Hotel Mennini in Milan. A solid three-star hotel in Milan where I have been staying for more than ten years. No other fashion people stay there, invitations don't get lost, family owned and run, they ask about my family, I always get the same room, it's centrally located.”

Tailors

Recommended By:

“I have the pleasure of making my clothes at many different places, though most often with the amazing Parisian tailors Lorenzo and Massimo Cifonelli. I also make clothes with Camps de Luca and Rubinacci, and recently had great experiences with A. Caraceni as well as Chittleborough & Morgan. I try to use the wonderful fabrics of Vitale Barberis Canonico. I go back to the firm that made them to alter clothes. I don't ever dry clean my suits.”

Recommended By:

“I have the pleasure of making my clothes at many different places, though most often with the amazing Parisian tailors Lorenzo and Massimo Cifonelli. I also make clothes with Camps de Luca and Rubinacci, and recently had great experiences with A. Caraceni as well as Chittleborough & Morgan. I try to use the wonderful fabrics of Vitale Barberis Canonico. I go back to the firm that made them to alter clothes. I don't ever dry clean my suits.”

Recommended By:

“The Lowell in New York City for the rooms (I designed them) and fireplaces; the Round Hill Hotel and Villas Resort for not having to wear shoes, the wonderful people and beautiful water; and Le Meurice in Paris for the views of the Tuileries Garden and the great coffee.”

Recommended By:

“My favourite restaurant on earth is in Barcelona, a place called Cal Pep. The baby squid with garbonzos and squid ink is amazing. But if we are talking New York, I would have to say Frank on 2nd Avenue. Eat the "Rigatoni al Ragu" an epic dish!”

Recommended By:

“Jean-Georges in New York. My favourite dish is the caviar egg, a hollowed out egg shell with soft scrambled eggs inside, topped with crème fraîche and a healthy spoonful of caviar. C’mon, how can that be bad?”

Recommended By:

“In New York, La Grenouille. The sole is divine and it’s the only place where you can order Grand Marnier soufflé. Mr Chow in Los Angeles, where I love the drunken fish! Borchardt in Berlin has schnitzel for days. And this little sushi joint that Gisele took me to in Costa Rica.”

Recommended By:

“My favorite sushi place is called Ono, in Hamburg, Germany. Their special rolls are fantastic, as is the tuna avocado salad. In New York, my all-time favourite restaurant is Le Bilboquet, a classic French spot on the Upper East Side. Its menu features all the best bistro favourites – mine is their version of cajun chicken.”

Recommended By:

“In New York, I would say Marlow & Sons. When I'm in town, I go about once a week. I usually get one of the ever-changing daily specials. In Paris, my buddy Romain-Gavras just put me on to this new spot called Septime.”

“In New York, it’s hard to beat Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle. It is a classic uptown Manhattan spot to meet for drinks. In LA, The Tower Bar seems as if it is becoming a new classic. It feels timeless and warm, which is a hard mix to find out there.”

“I love Bemelmans Bar in The Carlyle. It's stuffy in the most glamorous way. And you never know who will turn up there. Remind me to tell you the time Mariah Carey showed up and we convinced her to sing for us.”

Recommended By:

“Death & Co. in the Lower East Side of New York City has been around for over a few years now, but remains an excellent, cozy, and serious cocktail bar. One of the best Manhattan cocktails you can find in Manhattan.”

Recommended By:

“Hudson Bar And Books. One of the only places left downtown that still uses lead crystal bar and glassware, where it is still legal to smoke and always feels as if you're having a drink in grandfather's study.”

Recommended By:

“Although I no longer partake in the drinking part, I would have to say Maison Premiere in Williamsburg is my favorite. The best cocktails in New York City, an amazing atmosphere, and a top-notch raw bar.”

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“I like the smaller boutique hotels and there are many around the world which I love. However, during my American slogs, I find that the Mondrian in New York and LA is the perfect place for me as the layout of the room is both simplistic and beautiful at the same time. It also has free internet. If you're in America and someone offers you internet for free, take it before they realise what they have done. No more data roaming for me!”

Recommended By:

“Soho Grand Hotel [in New York City]. Nice location, spacious and with friendly staff. You get all the benefits of being in a hotel (like 24-hour room service, dry cleaning, a Mac computer with a printer and free internet, restaurant and bar downstairs) but with a personal touch that makes you feel as if you are in your own house.”

Recommended By:

“St. Regis New York: beautiful, traditional, incredible service and most of all the beds.
Arosa Kulm, Switzerland: it’s a traditional Swiss family hotel which has taken care of generations of guests.
Wolwedans, Namibia – the most special awakening I’ve ever experienced.”

“This is too hard. I love The Bowery Hotel in New York because it's real and effortless. Elsewhere, I love a hotel with history, and class. Claridge's and The Savoy sum up all that's great about London hotels.
Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles for me epitomizes the history and old-school glamour of the city.”

“In New York, it’s hard to beat Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle. It is a classic uptown Manhattan spot to meet for drinks. In LA, The Tower Bar seems as if it is becoming a new classic. It feels timeless and warm, which is a hard mix to find out there.”

“I love Bemelmans Bar in The Carlyle. It's stuffy in the most glamorous way. And you never know who will turn up there. Remind me to tell you the time Mariah Carey showed up and we convinced her to sing for us.”

Recommended By:

“The Lowell in New York City for the rooms (I designed them) and fireplaces; the Round Hill Hotel and Villas Resort for not having to wear shoes, the wonderful people and beautiful water; and Le Meurice in Paris for the views of the Tuileries Garden and the great coffee.”

Recommended By:

“I travel a lot and I also spend a lot of time in New York City. There are great hotels to choose from but I really enjoy staying at Trump Soho. It’s a great location and the service is what I love most.”

Tailors

Recommended By:

“I get all my jeans made at this shop called 3x1 on Mercer street in New York. They're constructed entirely on-site and are fit straight to the leg. Jeans are an investment, so why skimp on something you wear so often?”

Recommended By:

“My tailor is Marc Anthony in Hamburg. My friend Ferdinand von Hammerstein introduced me, and ever since, I have bought my suits from him. He can translate my design ideas into cool modern suits with a personal touch. The lovely Angela from G&G Cleaners on Grand Street in Soho, NY does my dry-cleaning and alterations.”

Recommended By:

“I should really look into one of those fancy tailors that everyone talks about, but out of convenience I always end up at The Orchard Tailor Services for alterations and they do the job just fine. (They're also lightning quick and dirt cheap.)”

Recommended By:

“In Berlin, Borchardt – get the wiener schnitzel and in winter the blutwurst – and Bandol Sur Mer, where the steak tartar is the best. Hot Spot, also in Berlin, does the best Chinese food. In Paris, Le Relais de l'Entrecôte and Chez André. At The Chinoise Story in Shanghai, get the sweet and sour fish (you'll meet the fish before you eat it).”

Recommended By:

“My favourite restaurant at the moment is called Sasaya on Lychener Strasse in Prenzlauer Berg in Berlin. I would recommend the Bio Yasay, a deconstructed salad of fresh bio vegetables. In Paris, it's Chez Georgette, an owner-run 1960s-decor bistro that has a fantastic fettuccine with a mountain of Burgundy snails as topping.”

Recommended By:

“In Berlin, Borchardt – get the wiener schnitzel and in winter the blutwurst – and Bandol Sur Mer, where the steak tartar is the best. Hot Spot, also in Berlin, does the best Chinese food. In Paris, Le Relais de l'Entrecôte and Chez André. At The Chinoise Story in Shanghai, get the sweet and sour fish (you'll meet the fish before you eat it).”

Recommended By:

“Le Voltaire in Paris. It’s somewhere one always looks forward to going to. It has the most terrific atmosphere. It’s not trying to be anything it’s not. I love the brains and all that deliciously cooked French offal.”

Recommended By:

“In New York, I would say Marlow & Sons. When I'm in town, I go about once a week. I usually get one of the ever-changing daily specials. In Paris, my buddy Romain-Gavras just put me on to this new spot called Septime.”

“I've spent about 200 nights on the road this year so it’s all a blur. In London, The Boundary is really nice. In Paris, Hotel Amour, if you get a duplex. In Montreal, casa Macklovitch offers expedited laundry service. Yes that was a dad joke.”

Recommended By:

“The Hôtel Costes in Paris. Only a restaurant in which an oil sheik gave my friend his telephone number; you are served by women named Chloé; and, on one occasion, Victoria Beckham, Kylie Minogue, Marc Jacobs and Patti Smith were all almost sat on top of each other, deserves this accolade. In that respect the food is almost secondary – as long as it goes with the mashed potatoes, which are the best in the world.”

“The Lowell in New York City for the rooms (I designed them) and fireplaces; the Round Hill Hotel and Villas Resort for not having to wear shoes, the wonderful people and beautiful water; and Le Meurice in Paris for the views of the Tuileries Garden and the great coffee.”

Recommended By:

“Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris. I've tried a lot of Parisian hotels during my travels, but this one finally meets all my needs. I also have to name Babington House in Somerset. I love the grounds, the rooms and the British feel.”